Simona Halep feels ‘confused and betrayed’ by provisional drugs suspension
Simona Halep says she will fight for the truth after revealing that she tested positive for a banned substance.
The two-time Slam champion has been away from competition since exiting the US Open in the first round in August.
In September, Halep announced the end of her 2022 season after undergoing nose surgery to improve her breathing.
“Today begins the hardest match of my life: a fight for the truth,” she begins a statement on social media. “I have been notified that I have tested positive for a substance called Roxadustat in an extremely low quantity, which came as the biggest shock of my life.
“Throughout my career, the idea of cheating never even crossed my mind once, as it is totally against all the values I have been educated with.”
According to the BBC, Simona Halep tested positive to Roxadustat at the US Open more than a month ago. The drug enhances performance by increasing the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) October 21, 2022
In a statement, the International Tennis Integrity Agency outlined the sanctions imposed on Simona Halep.
“While provisionally suspended, the player is ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned tennis events organised by the governing bodies of the sport,” the organisation explained.
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